Oceania Career Academy (OCA), New Zealand’s first Pacific trades PTE (Private Training Establishment) is offering Pacific students aged 16-19 the chance to study a trade in 2018 and move into higher paid employment.

OCA is working to generate more young Pacific people into higher paid employment, delivering a student-focused, career focused and industry-driven programme.

Spaces for Pacific youth aged 16-19 are available in the Certificate in Building and Construction Level 2 programme. The course runs for a year and is free to eligible students. The first intake starts in February 2018 and OCA General Manager Anthony Tuitahi encourages eligible students to apply.

“We’re enrolling young Pacific people who may not have found their way just yet,” he says.

“Part of what we offer is supporting youth through the programme who might need that extra help - whether it’s tutoring or pastoral care and cultural support.”

Anthony adds that it’s also about helping them onto a pathway with a clear future.

“We do what it takes to get our Pacific youth qualified and into higherpaying jobs,” he says.

“From the more than 300 students that have come through OCA’s programmes so far, the vast majority are either in employment or undertaking further study.”

Samoan student Ezra Cossill studied with OCA in 2014 and secured a carpenter/builder apprenticeship with NR Developments, a building and construction company specialising in residential new builds and renovations.

“I like using my hands and there’s more practical learning involved. It’s definitely better for some people,” says Ezra.

“I also enjoy the variety of places I go to when I’m working. I’m more of an outdoors type of person, so being a chippie is perfect.”

“With OCA ,they never let you go. You do your study, but even after that they’re still helping you with your journey,” he says.

“After I finished my qualification, OCA helped in so many ways, from getting a tool-belt to a job at NR Developments. I don’t know where I’d be without their help.”

To study in the free 2018 Certificate in Building and Construction Level 2 programme, students need to be of Pacific descent and aged 16-19.

They also need to have a maximum qualification of an NCEA Certificate Level 1 to qualify.

“It’s a good time to be in a trade, with plenty of opportunities for our kids to carve out a future,” says Anthony.

“We’re encouraging anyone who may be interested, including parents, family members and students themselves, to get in touch with us and see how we can help.”